Meet Shawndel George, Steelpan Player

“Being a woman player in the world-famous Phase II Pan Groove is humbling. The idea of being affiliated with the band, not just as a female, but as a regular member of the band, is something to be proud of. However, when specifically talking about being a woman player in the band, I always feel comfortable and embraced by my male counterparts. The men look out for the women. They are like our brothers. I do not feel less of myself being a part of a band that is male-dominated. And to play the music of the great Mozart of Pan—Len “Boogsie” Sharpe—is indeed an honour.”

[. . .] In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks—Shawndel George shares her joy, experiences, and insight into the Steelband music art form and more.

WST: “When and how did you first become associated with the steelpan instrument; what captivated you?”

Shawndel G.: “My first association with the steelpan instrument was in 2006 when a friend of mine took me to Pandemonium in Belmont to play for Pan in the 21st Century. I played the tenor pan then. I’ve always had an interest in learning different musical instruments and while the guitar was my first love, the idea of playing our national instrument was one that wasn’t far from my mind, so I grasped the opportunity to play. I then moved to Woodbrook Playboyz where I played both the bass and guitar pans and in 2008 I made the big jump to a large band—Phase II Pan Groove. Besides playing the instrument, I also function as one of the announcers throughout the Panorama season. The love for our national instrument and the interest it holds across the world continue to captivate me.” [. . .]